A Hull MP has written to the leader of Hull City Council to express disappointment after the Queen’s Gardens’ reopening date was pushed back to Spring 2026.
Last month Hull City Council confirmed that the Queen’s Gardens redevelopment project is now due to be completed by Spring 2026, after having committed to a ‘late 2025′ completion date just a few weeks prior.
The Labour MP for Hull West and Haltemprice, Emma Hardy, has since written to the council leader, Cllr Mike Ross, seeking reassurance that the recent delay to the Gardens’ reopening will be the last.
Ms Hardy’s letter states: “This will be disappointing news for residents and city-centre businesses who will no doubt be asking themselves whether this new date will be met.”
The MP also raised concerns over the project’s budget. She added: “In the past, delays have been accompanied by an increase in the cost – from £4.3 million in 2019 to last year’s £21.1 million.”
Ms Hardy asked the Liberal Democrat council leader: “Can the people of Hull have your assurance that this will be the final delay, and that there has been no increase in the final cost?”
In response to the MP’s letter, Cllr Mike Ross has said: “Queen’s Gardens is one of Hull’s most cherished green spaces, and its transformation is a vital investment in the city’s future.
“The transformation of the Gardens is now well underway, and the improvements being made are significantly different to the original plans.
“While the full reopening is now scheduled for spring 2026, the council has faced many challenges with the nature of the space and ground conditions, as well as the commitment to delivering a high-quality, sustainable space that will serve generations to come.
“In the meantime, we are able to announce that sections of the Gardens that are complete will be opened to the public as soon as it is safe to do so. Guildhall Road has already re-opened and we are reaching an important stage of the project where a section of the Rose Bowl can be reopened in the coming weeks.”
The council had previously said the Rose Bowl section of the Gardens would open in June.
Cllr Ross added: “Following that, and on completion of minor works, the lower area of the Gardens along Guildhall Road will also be open to the public. This will include the new rain gardens and amphitheatre steps.
“This phased approach means residents and visitors can enjoy parts of the Gardens while the remaining elements of the project are completed.”
By: Andrew Spence, LDRS
